The African Leadership Academy is a two-year residential boarding school for those aged between 15 and 18. Located in the South African city of Johannesburg, it provides its students with the skills they need to grow into ethical, capable entrepreneurs and leaders. The goal of this academy, which director Tunde Folawiyo oversees, is to offer young Africans support, intellectual stimulation and guidance at a crucial point in their lives. They are encouraged to run their own businesses on campus, via the SRB (Student-Run Businesses) programme, and are also allowed to get involved with the local community, through the academy’s CSPs (Community Service Projects).

There are five criteria which a potential ALA candidate must fulfil if they wish to be accepted. They must offer proof of past academic achievements, and demonstrate strong leadership abilities. In addition, they must have entrepreneurial spirit, and show that they are dedicated to serving the public. Last but not least, all applicants to the ALA have to be passionate about Africa, aspiring to make changes for the better, like Tunde Folawiyo has been demonstrating for the past few years.

The staff at the ALA along with individuals like Tunde Folawiyo understand the enormously positive impact which mentorship can have on the lives of young people; a mentor can offer one-on-one support and encouragement, and help a student to realise their academic and professional aspirations. Because of this, the ALA offers all of its students the opportunity to work with a mentor, whom the academy has carefully vetted and selected. Some of the academy’s current mentors are civil servants, leaders of NGOs and business professionals.

The ALA has a number of investors who support the positive work which it carries out; these include the Omidyar Network and the MasterCard Foundation. The latter chose to renew its partnership with the academy last year; this enabled the ALA to make a number of improvements to its programme. The MasterCard Foundation also runs a collaborative award with the ALA, called the Anzisha Prize. The name of this award translates as ‘initiative’ in Swahili. It is given to entrepreneurial African youths who have successfully addressed some of the most pressing concerns facing their local communities. Member of the Global Advisory Board Tunde Folawiyo understands that these skills in politics will help youngsters to advance in life, and fully supports the youth development in Africa.

Fred Swaniker, a 37 year old business consultant and entrepreneur from Ghana, is the founder of the ALA. In 2006, he became an Echoing Green Fellow and in 2011, he was named by Forbes Magazine as one of Africa’s top 10 most powerful young men. Swaniker does his utmost to help Africa’s younger generation develop their leadership skills, as he believes that strong leadership is the key to resolving many of the continent’s economic and political issues.